The big 6.4-liter Hemi, exclusive to SRT in the past, is now available in the new 2015 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack model. While the car looks similar to the 2014, aerodynamic drag has been cut from 0.356 to 0.337; and the former SRT Performance Pages, with acceleration and skidpad times and more, are now the Dodge Performance Pages, available on all Challenger trim lines (standard with 6.4 or Super Track Pack).

Dodge Challenger Scat Pack

The Challenger Scat Pack’s 6.4 Hemi has both 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque (up from 470/470 in 2014’s SRT cars), with a relatively flat torque curve for responsiveness and strong performance through the engine’s speed range. An active intake manifold, high-lift cam, and cam phasing provide better low-end torque and high-end power. For a touch of nostalgia, the engine block is lacquered in HEMI Orange paint.

The new active exhaust system on the Dodge Challenger 6.4-liter Scat Pack and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker allows for straight-through mid and rear mufflers for a throaty exhaust note under engine load. Even with up to 26 percent more horsepower than the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, this range-topping 6.4- liter HEMI V-8 engine with active valve exhaust system helps the four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology (with eight-speed automatic transmission) engage over a wider rpm range.

The Dodge Challenger 6.4-liter Scat Pack and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker have Bilstein high-performance shock absorbers and unique suspension geometry (including lowering the body by half an inch) to improve cornering and responsiveness. Dodge claims the Dodge Challenger 6.4 Scat Pack and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker are capable of 0.93g on the skid pad – on par with some of the world’s best-handling cars.

Black four-piston Brembo calipers at each corner, with 14.2 inch (front) and 13.8 inch (rear) vented/slotted rotors, help bring the Dodge Challenger Scat Pack cars from 60-0 mph in 117 feet. Brake cooling and reduced fade were enhanced by wind tunnel testing and ducts that direct air to the rotors.

TorqueFlite Eight

The celebrated TorqueFlite Eight gearbox, previously unavailable on Dodge Challenger at all, is now available with all three engines; it comes with a new “T-grip” electronic shifter, designed to feel like a normal shifter rather than an electronic toy.

Chrysler introduced its eight-speed automatic transmissions in 2011, and remains the only automaker to use them with mainstream brands. On its own, in the Challenger, it accounts for a fuel-economy boost of 5%-9%... with faster acceleration, thanks to the large 7.03 ratio spread. First gear is a low 4.71:1; high gear is a tall 0.67:1. That allows for both fast launches and low engine speeds on the highway, especially with the torque of the big Hemi. Yet, at 194 pounds, it weighs just four pounds more than the old five-speed Mercedes gearbox. Details, gear ratios, etc.

With the 5.7 Hemi, fuel economy rose by 1 mpg city in 2015; manual-transmission economy remained unchanged. With the 6.4, regardless of Scat Pack or SRT, 2015 fuel economy is surprisingly close to the 5.7 Hemi: 15 city, 25 highway. That’s up from 14/23 in 2014. The manual drops it back down to 14/23, again unchanged from 2014. Another winner is the 3.6 liter V6, which shot up to 19 city, 30 highway — up from 18 city, 27 highway.

For the moment, the 845RE version used by the V6 is made by Chrysler, with the HP70 used with V8s made by ZF itself in South Carolina (Hellcat gets the HP90). Chrysler is expected to slowly take over production of the V8 eight-speeds as well.

The new shifter, which maintains tactile feedback, has a manual override gate, but buyers can also get paddle shifters on the steering wheel, as in the past.

These features were once exclusive to SRT, but are now available on all trim levels of the Challenger, as an option, with the Super Track Pack, or standard.

V6

5.7 V8
Manual

5.7 V8
Auto

392 V8

EPA mpg

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

Recommended Fuel

Regular

Midgrade

Midgrade

Premium

Power

305 @ 6,350

375 @ 5150

372 @ 5200

485 @ 6,000

Torque

268 @ 4,800

410 @ 4300

400 @ 4400

475 @ 4,200

Axle Ratios

2.62 (3.08 opt)

3.08

3.08

3.09

Overall Top Gear

1.76 (2.06)

2.06

2.06

2.07

The Pentastar V6 used in Dodge Challenger is the most powerful version of that engine at Chrysler Group, thanks partly to a cold-air induction system and dual exhausts from the headers back to the exhaust tips; 90% of the engine’s peak torque is available from 1,800 to 6,400 rpm.

Challenger R/T has the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, with up to 375 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque (with the manual; the automatic drops the numbers to 372 hp and 400 lb-ft). When paired with the Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual, the Dodge Challenger R/T have a performance-tuned dual exhaust with low-restriction bottle resonators. 0-60 mph runs have dropped to the mid-5-second range with a sinister exhaust growl.

The steering-column-mounted electric power steering (EPS) system improves handling and performance, by modulating power assistance according to driving conditions; it is up to 3% more efficient than hydraulic systems, and reduces maintenance and repairs. The system is integrated with the stability control to help compensate in split-traction, torque steer and pull-drift (crowned road) situations.

New cast aluminum axles and housings replace the 2014s’ steel structures, saving weight. A new four-bolt design replaced the three-bolt pattern of prior years, too, to cut friction and increase durability.

The front suspension is mounted in a rigid, light cradle made from tubular steel. Premium hydro-bushings, monotube shock absorbers, and a lower-front-shock-to-suspension-link bushing increased control, ride and comfort.

The camber is set at -1.0 degrees in the front and -1.75 degrees in the rear for high-speed cornering, with tires leaning inboard at the top relative to the body.

So how’d we do? JackRatchett used spy photos and rumors of 1972 rear styling for this rendering.

Styling and Design

While the 2008-2014 Challenger followed the design language of the original 1970 Challenger, the front of the 2015 Dodge looks to the 1971 car (the tail is actually taken from the 1972). The larger power-bulge hood has more aggressive dual snorkel inlets for engine cooling, while the split-grille was inspired by the 1971 car. Other changes include moving the windshield washer outlets under the hood, using new quad halo projector headlamps and a more aggressive brow, a wider trapezoidal front air dam and slimmer grille, pushing the projector fog lamps to the corners, and using a new duck-bill fascia spoiler. These moves were made to emphasize the car’s width, improve cooling, and cut wind drag.

From the side, the sills have been re-tuned in the wind tunnel to improve aerodynamics. Nine wheel designs are available, including 18-inchers on the SXT and 20-inchers on the R/T. A new lightweight 20-by-9-inch forged aluminum wheel in matte black is optional on R/T and Scat Pack.

In back, the 2015 Dodge Challenger recalls the 1971s with a new split tail-lamp design and rear fascia. The tail-lamps have smoothed-out LED lights. A redesigned rear valance makes the 2015 Challenger look more planted on the ground. For enthusiasts who plan on adding a performance exhaust, the exhaust is mounted tightly below the valance and is cut out for larger exhaust tips.

New heritage-inspired stripe options from the factory include a body-side stripe (SXT), R/T-logo glossy black hood stripe, and a body-side glossy black or white or glossy red stripe (R/T Classic). For Challenger Scat Pack, there can be rear-quarter Bumble Bee stripes; on Shaker, Shaker graphics with a matching black spoiler and fuel door.

Shaker hood package

The optional Shaker package on the Dodge Challenger R/T has an air cleaner attached directly to the engine, coming through a sealed hole in the hood. In the 1970s, the air cleaner would “shake” with the engine; now, making it shake essentially requires flooring the gas, given the smooth idle of the new Hemis.

The hood scoop is functional, with an exposed high-flow element that provides cold air induction. The cars include the Super Track Pak, with performance steering and brakes, a sport suspension, three-model stability control (including full off), and Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. The cars have unique 20 inch satin aluminum wheels with black “pockets.”

The following Dodge-provided photo suggests that a Shaker package for the Scat Pack is coming.

Inside the 2015 Dodge Challenger

Designers tried to merge modern technology with the “essence of the 1971,” providing a driver-oriented cockpit surrounded by a stamped aluminum bezel. As with Dodge Charger (and various other Chrysler Group cars), a seven-inch screen provides a customizable display (details). A new speedometer and tachometer use a retro design, bringing memories of the “tic-toc-tach” gauges from the 1971 Challenger. The center stack houses the new standard 5.0-inch and optional 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreens.

With its unique elevated design, the center console has redundant button and knob controls for audio and climate control. A new media hub with an SD card slot, USB outlet, and audio jack is n the armrest.

The steering wheel is new, and provides a better grip at the 3:00 and 9:00 positions, with optional paddle shifters and large, backlit controls for the configurable gauges. UConnect and phone buttons are now on the bottom edge of the spokes; audio controls remain on the back. The new tilt-telescoping steering wheel also has a 360- degree heat element.

The seats have been redesigned, with better cushioning and contours; the passenger seat now has an exit/entry function for access to the rear seat. Performance seats have large side bolsters for maximum lateral support. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard when Nappa leather is ordered.

Challenger’s front- and rear-of-the-door storage includes class-exclusive door bottle holders, while an oversized illuminated glove box has velvet-like interior covering and a shelf for the owner’s manual. Netted bins are on either side of the center console.